Lesson 20: Common Injuries and Emergency Procedures Flashcards
What is a muscle strain?
Injuries in which the muscle works beyond its capacity, resulting in microscopic tears of the muscle fibers.
What might a client feel in a mild muscle strain and severe muscle strain?
In mild strains, the client may report tightness or tension.
In severe strains, the client may report a sudden ‘tear’ or ‘pop’ that leads to immediate pain and weakness in the muscle.
What will occur following a muscle strain?
Swelling, discoloration (ecchymosis) and loss of function.
What are the 3 grades to a muscle strain?
Grade 1 - a mild strain where a few muscle fibers are stretched or torn. Injured muscle is tender, painful and may experience localized spasms.
Grade 2 - a moderate sprain where a large number of fibers are stretched/torn. More severe muscle pain, tenderness, swelling and noticeable loss of function + bruising.
Grade 3 - complete tear where there is complete loss of muscle function, severe pain, swelling, tenderness, discolouration and palpable defect.
What is ecchymosis?
Discolouration of the skin due to bleeding underneath - seen as bruising.
What is a hamstring muscle sprain often caused by and what are the risks of this?
They are caused by a severe stretch or rapid, forceful contraction such as sprinting.
The risk factors of this injury are poor flexibility, poor posture, muscle imbalance, improper warm-up and training errors.
What is a hip muscle strain caused by, how might it feel and what is the risk factor of this injury?
A hip strain is common in ice hockey/figure skating that require explosive acceleration/deceleration and change in direction with a lateral movement.
They may feel an initial pull of the inside thigh muscles followed by intense pain and loss of function.
The risk factor is a muscular imbalance between the hip abductors and adductors.
What are calf muscle strains most common in and what are the risk factors of this injury?
Calf strains are most common in athletes that participate in running/jumping sports. Risk factors include muscle fatigue, fluid and electrolyte depletion, forced knee extension while the foot is dorsiflexed and forced dorsiflexion when the knee is extended.
What are the most common joints for ligament sprains?
ankle, knee, thumb/finger, shoulder
What should a client expect when they experience a ligament sprain?
A ‘popping’ sound followed by immediate pain, swelling, instability, decreased ROM and loss of function.
What types of ligament sprains are of particular medical significance?
Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee.
What are the 3 grades to ligament sprains?
Grade 1 - microscopic tearing of collagen fibers with minimal swelling and tenderness
Grade 2 - complete tear of some collagen fibers with moderate tenderness, swelling, decreased ROM and possible instability
Grade 3 - complete tear/rupture of the ligament with significant swelling, tenderness and instability
What are the acute care actions for each grade of a ligament sprain?
Grade 1 - RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate)
Grade 2 - RICE + physical evaluation
Grade 3 - Immobilization with air splint, RICE, prompt physical evaluation
What is the primary role of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?
To prevent anterior glide of the tibia away from the femur.
What is the common mechanism of injury when someone injures their ACL?
Sudden deceleration of the body with a twisting, pivoting or side-stepping movement.
What is the primary role of the Medial Collateral Ligament in the knee?
To prevent medial bending (valgus) on the knee.
What are 3 common overuse conditions?
- tendinitis
- bursitis
- fasciitis
What is tendinitis? What is it usually caused by?
Inflammation of the tendon that is usually caused by starting new activities/programs too quickly and the tendon not handling the new level of demand, resulting in irritation that triggers an inflammatory response.
What is Bursitis? What is it usually caused by?
An inflammation of the bursa sac due to acute trauma, repetitive stress, muscle imbalance or muscle tightness on top of the bursa.
What are bursae/bursa sac’s?
small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving parts in your body’s joints.
What is fasciitis? Where is it commonly found?
Inflammation of the connective tissue called fascia, commonly seen in the bottom and back of the foot.
Damage to the joint surface of the knee often involves damage to what 2 cartilages?
- hyaline cartilage - covers the bone
2. menisci cartilage - acts as a shock absorber
Which is the most commonly reported knee injury?
Damage to the menisci cartilage.
When someone has a meniscal tear, what might they complain of?
Stiffness, clicking or popping with weight-bearing activities, giving away/catching/locking in, joint pain, swelling and muscle weakness.
What is chondromalacia?
A softening or wearing away of the cartilage behind the patella, resulting in inflammation and pain.
What is chondromalacia associated with?
Improper training methods, sudden changes in training surface, lower-extremity muscle weakness and/or tightness, foot overpronation.
What might the affected knee in chondromalacia appear as?
warm, swollen, with pain occurring behind the patella during activity.
What is the patella also known as?
The kneecap
What are the signs and symptoms of a stress fracture?
- progressive pain that is worse with weight-bearing activity
- focal pain
- pain at rest in some cases
- local swelling
What are the 4 types of stress fractures?
- longitudinal
- oblique
- transverse
- compression
What are the 3 phases of healing?
Phase 1 - inflammatory
Phase 2 - fibroblastic/proliferation
Phase 3 - maturation/remodelling
How long does the inflammatory phase of healing last and what is its focus?
This can last up to 6 days and focuses on immobilizing the injured area. Increased blood flow occurs to bring in oxygen and nutrients to rebuild the damaged tissue.
How long does the fibroblastic/proliferation phase of healing last and what is its focus?
This begins approximately at day 3 and ends at day 21 of the healing process.
Beings with filling the wound with collagen and other cells which eventually forms a scar. The wound can resist normal stresses and continues to build strength for several months.
How long does the maturation/remodelling phase of healing last and what is its focus?
Begins at approx day 21 and can last for up to 2 years.
This begins to remodel the scar, rebuild the bone and/or strengthen the tissue into a more organized structure.
What are the signs and symptoms of tissue inflammation?
- pain
- redness
- swelling
- warmth
- loss of function
What is the most important question a trainer must ask themselves before starting with a client with pre-existing injuries?
Is the client appropriate for exercise or should they be cleared by a medical professional?
What are some common symptoms of post-injury/post-surgery overtraining?
- soreness that lasts for more than 24 hours
- pain when asleep
- soreness/pain that occurs earlier or is increased from a prior session
- increased stiffness/decreased ROM over several sessions
- swelling, redness, warmth in healing tissue
- progressive weakness over several sessions
- decreased functional usage
What are the actions of RICE?
- rest or restricted activity (especially weight-bearing activities, until cleared by a physician)
- ice should be applied every hour for 10-20 mins until swelling/tendency has passed
- compression is placed on the area to minimize local swelling
- elevation of the area 6-10 inches above the heart will help control swelling and reduce hemorrhage, inflammation, swelling and pain.
What are contraindications to stretching that need to be considered to prevent injury?
- fracture site that is healing
- acute soft-tissue injury
- post-surgical conditions
- joint hypermobility
- area of infection
- hematoma/indication of trauma
- pain in affected area
- restrictions from clients doctor
- prolonged immobilization of muscles/connective tissue
- joint swelling from trauma/disease
- presence of osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis
- history of prolonged corticosteroid use
What is effusion?
Joint swelling
Which joint of the body has the largest ROM?
shoulder / glenohumeral
Anatomically the shoulder joint consists of a shallow articular surface, what can this easily cause?
instability between the acromion and humeral head
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain often involves a ligament whereas a strain involves a tendon
Who is shoulder impingement particularly commonly seen in?
Those that participate in overhead activities such as tennis, baseball, swimming.
What is shoulder impingement?
when inflammation causes the tendons, muscles, or bones to push into the bursa or against each other.
What are signs of shouler strains/sprains?
Local pain at the shoulder that radiates down the arm and possible swelling, tenderness in the shoulder that causes pain and stiffness with the movement.
What are some examples of conservative management of common musculoskeletal injuries?
- avoiding aggravating activities or movements
- physical therapy
- modalities (ice/heat)
- oral anti-inflammatory medication
- cortisone injections
What should an exercise programme following a shoulder sprain/strain focus on?
- Regaining strength/flexibility of the shoulder complex and more specifically, strengthening the scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles to restore proper scapulohumeral motion.
- Stretching the major muscle groups around the shoulder to restore proper length of muscles.
Following shoulder injuries, overhead movements are often modified, how would you modify an overhead press as to avoid injuring again?
The client should not fully extend their arms, the shoulders should be positioned more towards the front of body* to prevent impingement of shoulder structures.
- in the scapular plane where the shoulder is positioned 30 degrees anterior to the frontal plane
What are the differences between an acute and chronic rotator cuff tear?
acute - related to trauma such as falling on shoulder or raising arm against overwhelming resistance, severe loss of function.
chronic - gradual worsening of pain and weakness, result of a degenerative process in those over 40, dominant arm usually most affected.
Which gender is more susceptible to rotator cuff tears?
males
What are the signs of an acute rotator cuff tear?
The client will likely complain of feeling a sudden ‘tearing’ sensation followed by immediate pain and loss of motion.
They will have issues raising their arm above their head.
What are the signs of a chronic rotator cuff tear?
The client will show a gradual worsening with increased pain at night or after activity.
Reaching overhead or behind their back will be painful and even simple tasks like putting on a shirt will prove impossible.
What other structures within the shoulder complex are likely to be damaged in a rotator cuff tear too?
The glenoid labrum and biceps tendon.
What is the management process of a rotator cuff tear?
The client should see a physician for proper diagnosis and management, they may be referred to physical therapy and other imaging such as an MRI may be obtained for a more extensive view.
How long is a client usually immobilized following a rotator cuff tear to allow for healing?What motions will they be allowed to perform?
6-8 weeks
They will only be allowed to perform passive ROM as actively contracting the repaired muscle could cause a re-tear.
After the resting/healing period, what must a PT ensure they do when working with a client who had injured/tore their rotator cuff?
They must obtain specific exercise guidelines from the client’s physician or surgeon and continue what was done in physical therapy in a safe, progressive manner.
When working with a client post-rotator cuff injury/tear, why should you avoid overhead and straight arm exercises?
Because these will cause issues in the healing tissue, exercises with the elbows bent will create less torque on the healing muscles.
What is torque?
a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis.
What are 2 of the most common elbow/wrist injuries?
Lateral and medial epicondylitis
What is lateral epicondylitis?
Often called tennis elbow, it is defined as an overuse/repetitive trauma injury of the wrist extensor muscle tendons near their origin on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
What is medial epicondylitis?
Often called golfer’s elbow, it is defined as an overuse or repetitive-trauma injury of the wrist flexor muscle tendons near their origin on the medial epicondyle.
What is the difference between a condyle and an epicondyle?
The main difference between condyle and epicondyle is that condyle forms an articulation with another bone. whereas epicondyle provides sites for the attachment of muscles.
What will clients likely complain about if they have medial/lateral epicondylitis?
Pain at the site during aggravating activities, it will diminish with rest but tends to get worse over time if not addressed properly.
In the case of elbow tendinitis, what should be avoided?
Activities/movements that include repetitive elbow/wrist flexion or extension activities.
What should the focus be of an exercise program following elbow tendinitis?
To avoid aggravating activities and improving posture/body positioning, regaining strength and flexibility of the flexor/pronator and extensor/supinator muscle groups of the wrist and elbow.
What should be avoided when following a new program after elbow tendinitis?
Full elbow extension should be avoided as it can cause excessive loading of the muscle.
High-rep activities should also be avoided at both the elbow and wrist.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome and what does it cause?
A common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome caused by?
repetitive wrist/finger flexion when the flexor tendons are strained and therefore results in a narrowing of the carpal tunnel due to inflammation, which results in compression of the medial nerve.
Who is carpal tunnel syndrome more likely to affect? (age, gender)
Women with a peak range of 40-60
What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
It starts gradually with pain, weakness or numbness in the radial 3 1/2 digits of the hand and palmar aspect of the thumb.
As it progress other symptoms worsen such as:
- night/early morning pain/burning
- loss of grip strength
- numbness/paresthesias in palm, thumb, index and middle fingers
- loss of sensations
- atrophy of the thumb
What type of injection can be given for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Cortisone
What should exercise programming after carpal tunnel syndrome focus/watch for?
It should focus on regaining strength and flexibility of the elbow, wrist and finger flexors and extensors.
The PT should ensure the client is wearing their wrist splint during activity and monitor for increased symptoms.
Why should clients avoid full wrist flexion/extension following carpal tunnel syndrome?
Because these end range positions can further compress the carpal tunnel which can increase symptoms.
What age do women/men usually experience low back pain and what % of adults will experience it at some point? Also, what % usually ends up being chronic?
Age = 30-50
80%
30% chronic
What are some common risk factors associated with low-back pain?
- heavy lifting
- obesity
- prolonged static postures
- stress/depression
- inherited diseases
- smoking
- pregnancy
- disease like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, cancer
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
It is an inflammatory disease in your back that eventually causes your vertebrae to fuse together and a ‘hunchback’ posture.
What are the most frequently sited causes of low back pain? (3)
- mechanical back pain
- degenerative disc disease
- sciatica
What is degenerative disc disease?
an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorates or breaks down, leading to pain.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
What is mechanical low-back pain described as and where does the pain originate from?
Mechanical low back-pain can be described as pain that is produced with movement of specific anatomical structures. It originates from abnormalities/deviations in the vertebrae, intervertebral discs or facet joints.
Why would someone with mechanical low-back pain experience poor muscular strength and flexibility?
Due to a decrease in activity, muscle spasms, muscle tension and myofascial restrictions.
What occurs alongside Degenerative Disc Disease?
Disc herniations and bulging discs between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae or between the 5th lumbar verterbae and 1st sacroiliac joint.
In degenerative disc disease and disc herniations, if the nerves coming out of the spinal cord get ‘pinched’ due to a narrowing of the foramina, what will the client develop signs of?
Sciatica or other nerve radiculopathy.
What is radiculopathy?
A pinched nerve
What type of movements should clients with low-back pain avoid?
Repeated bending or twisting movements due to the high stress caused in the spinal structures.
How should clients with low-back pain learn to stabilize the trunk?
With a moderate lordosis or neutral position.
What is the difference between lordosis and kyphosis?
Lordosis is the normal inward lordotic curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the human spine whereas Kyphosis is the normal outward curvature of the thoracic and sacral regions.
What is greater trochanteric bursitis?
Painful inflammation of the greater trochanteric bursa between the greater trochanter of the femur and the gluteus medius tendon/proximal iliotibial band (IT).
Who is most likely to experience Greater Trochanter Bursitis?
Female runners, cross-country skiers, ballet dancers and middle-aged to elderly adults.
What is inflammation of the bursa due to?
Acute incidents such as falling, contract sports or repetitive trauma to the area such as excessive friction from prolonged running, kickboxing or increased/changes in activities.
What are the signs and symptoms of Greater Trochanter Bursitis?
- trochanteric pain/paresthesias radiating from the greater trochanter to the posterior lateral hip and down the iliotibial tract to the lateral knee
- walking with a limp
Why might someone with Greater Trochanter Bursitis walk with a limp?
Due to pain, weakness, decreased muscle length of the quads/hamstrings, myofascial tightness in the IT band, and decreased muscular strength.
What is Trendelenberg Gait?
an abnormal gait resulting from a defective hip abductor mechanism. The primary musculature involved is weakness of the gluteal musculature, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles that causes drooping of the pelvis to the contralateral side while walking.
What should an exercise program following Greater Trochanter Bursitis focus on?
- regaining flexibility and strength at the hip
- stretching the iliotibial band complex, hamstrings and quadriceps
- strengthening the gluteals and deeper hip rotator muscles to maintain adequate strength
- learning proper gait techniques in walking/running
What positions/activities should those with greater trochanter bursitis avoid?
Side-lying positions that compress the lateral hip and higher-loading activities such as squats/lunges.
What are general recommendations for shopping for the right athletic shoe?
- get fitted towards the end of the day as your foot may increase by half a shoe size during the course of a single day OR get fitted for your training time if it is the exact same everyday
- allow a space of the width of the index finger between your longest toe and end of the shoe
- the ball of the foot should match the widest part of the shoe
- shoes should not rub/pinch any area of the foot/ankle
- wear similar socks to that you would train in
Why is it important to be aware of when your shoes need replaced? How do you know when this is?
To avoid sustaining ankle, shin and knee injuries.
When the absorption/cushioning of the pounding/jarring action is lost, uneven wearing down at the heel, traction on the soles are worn flat.
How many miles/KM/months do athletic shoes typically lose their cushioning?
350 - 500 miles / 560 - 800 KM /
3 - 6 months
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome?
A repetitive overuse condition that occurs when the distal portion of the IT Band rubs against the lateral femoral epicondyle.
Who is most likely to experience Iliotibial Band Syndrome and what is it caused by?
Active individuals aged 15-50.
It is caused by training errors in runners, cyclists, volleyball players and weight lifters.
What are the risk factors of Iliotibial Band Syndrome?
- overtraining
- improper footwear/equipment use
- changes in running surface
- muscle imbalance
- structural abnormalities
- failure to stretch correctly
What are signs and symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome?
- gradual onset of tightness, burning or pain at the lateral aspect of the knee
- pain radiating from the lateral aspect of the knee to the outside of the knee and/or up the outside of the thigh
- stabbing/sharp pain along the lower outside of knee
- snapping/popping sensation felt at the lateral knee when flexed/extended
Why can iliotibial band syndrome cause a limp?
Because there may be weakness in the hip abductors, shortening of the IT band and tenderness throughout the IT band complex.
What exercises should be avoided/modified with clients returning to exercise after iliotibial band syndrome?
- high-loading activities such as lunges/squats should be avoided at first and added at a slower pace.
They should be limited to 45 degrees of knee flexion with a progression to 90 degrees
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Often called ‘anterior knee pain’ or ‘runners knee’
It is pain felt in front, behind or around your knee/kneecap
What are the 3 primary categories for causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- overuse
- biomechanical
- muscle dysfunction
What biomechanical abnormalities cause Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- Flat foot (pes planus) can alter knee alignment, internal rotation of the tibia/femur that therefore alters the dynamics of the patellofemoral joint.
- High arches (pes cavus) can also cause less cushioning of the foot and cause excessive stress on the patellofemoral joint.
What muscle dysfunctions have been associated with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- tightness in the Iliotibial Band Complex causes excessive lateral force to the patella.
- tightness in the hamstrings can cause a posterior force to the knee and increased contact between the femur and patella
- tightness in the gastrocnemius/soleus complex leads to pronation during walking and excessive posterior forces
- hip abductor/external rotator weakness can cause femoral internal rotation and abnormal knee valgus which can cause abnormal patellofemoral tracking
What are the signs and symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- Pain when running, ascending/descending stairs, squatting or prolonged sitting.
A gradual ache behind/underneath patella
What is recommended to manage Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
- avoiding aggravating activities such as running, deep squats, prolonged sitting
- modifying training variables
- proper footwear
- physical therapy
- knee bracing
- foot orthotics
- oral anti-inflammatories
- modalities (ice/heat)
- education
What is the focus of an exercise program following Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or Infrapatellar Tendinitis?
Restoring proper flexibility by addressing tightness in the iliotibial band complex, hamstrings, calves.
Restoring strength throughout the hip, knee and ankles to help control forces imposed on the knee joint and stability.
What exercise modifications should be made in the presence of injury and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Exercising in the mid-range (45 degrees) of closed-chain activities as open-chain activities place abnormal stress on the patella.
A client exhibits Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and injury, instead of doing leg extension, what modification could you make and why?
Perform single straight-leg raise in a sitting/supine position to challenge the quadriceps without imposing patella stress.
What is Infrapatellar Tendinitis?
‘jumpers knee’
it is an overuse syndrome characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon at the insertion into the distal part of the patella and proximal tibia.
What causes Infrapatellar Tendinitis?
Improper training methods, sudden change in training surface, lower-extremity inflexibility and muscle imbalance.
why is infrapatellar tendinitis common in sports such as basketball, volleyball and track?
because of jumping aspects that produce significant strain in the tendinous tissues
What are signs of Infrapatellar Tendinitis?
pain at the distal kneecap into the infrapatellar tendon
Where is the Patellar Tendon?
It attaches the bottom of the knee (patella) to the top of the shinbone (tibia)
How can you manage Infrapatellar Tendinitis?
- avoid aggravating activities like running, plyometrics, prolonged sitting
- modifying training variables
- proper footwear
- physical therapy
- patellar taping
- knee bracing
- arch supports
- foot orthotics
- client education
- oral anti-inflammatory medication
- modalities (ice/heat)
A client exhibits Infrapatellar Tendinitis, what exercise modification would you make to jogging to ease them back in?
Have them first jog on a trampoline before progressing to grass and then a court/harder surface.
What are shin splints classified as?
Either medial tibial stress syndrome/posterior shin splints or anterior shin splints.
What is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome caused by?
MTSS is an overuse injury usually triggered by a sudden change in activity or due to pes planus (flat foot).
What is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome?
Also known as Posterior Shin Splints or Periostitis which is inflammation of the periosteum (connective tissue covering the bone.)
What areas are affected by Anterior Shin Splints?
Usually the anterior compartment of leg muscles, fascia and periosteal lining.
What are signs of Posterior/Anterior Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome?
Posterior/MTSS = a dull ache along the distal 2/3 of the posterior medial tibia. Anterior = same dull ache along distal anterior shin
How do you manage shin splints?
- Modify training with lower-impact and lower-mileage conditioning/cross training.
- Rest may be better advised.
- Modalities (ice/heat)
- Oral anti-inflammatories
- Cortisone injections
- Heel pads
- Bracing
- Physical therapy
What is the focus of an exercise programming following shin splints?
To get the client back to full unrestricted activity without exacerbating the symptoms. Cross-training can maintain levels of fitness and stretching/strengthening can relieve symptoms.
Why should a lower-body stretching program accompany more specific stretching in the case of shin splints/MTSS?
To address any secondary muscle-length deficits and imbalances that may affect the foot/ankle.
especially the calf and anterior leg muscles
Literature reviews reveal that ankle sprains account for approx __ to __ % of all athletic injuries.
20 - 40%
What is the most common type of ankle sprain?
Lateral or inversion.